Standing out from the crowd is important. That process begins in law school, according to Maura Winson, Boston-area legal division director for the staffing firm Robert Half International. She advises working as a paralegal, volunteering with legal aid services, or clerking in your area of preference while you're still in school.

The National Association for Law Placement offers information at www.nalp.org.

JUDGES

Average salary: $97,430. Varies by jurisdiction and position.

Demand: Limited. Budget constraints are reducing even further the low numbers of openings for these competitive, prestigious jobs. As caseloads and complexity of issues increase, many opt for private practice, which usually pays more than most local judicial positions.

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and work experience are usually minimum requirements; most state and federal judges must be lawyers. Massachusetts state judges are appointed; some states and local jurisdictions have elected judges; federal judges are appointed.

LAWYERS

Average salary: $115,180. Salaries range from $30,000 to $35,000 for some beginning public attorneys, to well over $200,000 for experienced lawyers with large firms.

Demand: Improving. Firms still can afford to be choosy, but the picture is definitely brighter than in recent years. Experience in litigation, real estate, healthcare, or intellectual property increases prospects.

Qualifications: Accredited law school degree; state bar exam; strong skills in writing, speaking, research, and technology. Law clerk jobs, volunteer work, and internships provide experience.

PARALEGALS

Average salary: $42,060

Demand: Good. Experienced paralegals are in demand; they can cut costs by doing some of the work that lawyers do. The field is getting highly competitive, however.

Qualifications: Associate or bachelor's degree; some go through certificate programs. Legal secretaries can move up to paralegal positions with additional courses in litigation and legal issues.

Copyright 2005 Globe Newspaper Company